Abstract: An activated carbon oxidized by air or oxygen at near ambient temperatures having a contact pH between 7.6 and 8.5 for use in water treatment systems to prevent pH excursions during operation of the system.

Abstract: An oxidized activated carbon having a contact pH between 7.1 and 8.2 for use in aqueous treatment systems to prevent pH and alkalinity excursions during start-up of the system.

Abstract: Carbonaceous chars capable of catalytically decomposing aqueous hydrogen peroxide at higher rates at given char densities than other known catalytic chars are provided for. This improvement is provided by an increase in the catalytic activity at a given char density of the said catalytically-active carbonaceous char. The catalytically-active carbonaceous chars are useful for, but not limited to, the catalytic conversion of H.sub.2 S, SO.sub.x, NO.sub.x, peroxides, and/or chloramines in liquid and/or gaseous media.

Abstract: An improved process is for the removal of sulfur oxides from gas or liquid media containing oxygen and water by contacting said media with a catalytically-active carbonaceous char. The improvement is provided by the use of a catalytically-active carbonaceous char prepared by low-temperature carbonization and oxidation of a bituminous coal or bituminous coal-like material followed by exposure to a nitrogen-containing compound during the initial high-temperature exposure of the low-temperature oxidized char. Following this initial high-temperature treatment the material can be further calcined or activated as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight and durable flexible-walled adsorber vessel that may be a freestanding unit, may be hung from an overhead support frame or ceiling, may float or be submersed in a body of liquid, or otherwise be suspended during use. The flexible adsorber of the present invention utilizes an internal screen, mesh, pallet or similar means to support carbon or other porous filter media so as to permit the pressurized or unpressurized removal of undesirable vapors, liquids or solids that may be present in streams of gas or liquid. Embodiments of the flexible adsorber are capable of supporting filter media weighing a ton or more, can resist deterioration in the presence of a variety toxic chemicals and/or corrosive agents, and can serve as a shipping container before or after use.

Abstract: A method and adsorbent for increasing the life of edible oils are disclosed. The present method comprises substantially continuous treatment of edible oil with activated carbon during processes carried out at elevated temperature. The treatment may be by filtration through a filter means containing activated carbon or by immersion within the oil of an oil porous enclosure containing activated carbon. An adsorbent for substantially continuous use at elevated temperature is also disclosed. The adsorbent includes antioxidant impregnated activated carbons.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the removal of chloramines from gas or liquid media by contacting said media with a catalytically-active carbonaceous char. The improvement is provided by the use of a carbonaceous char capable of rapidly decomposing hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: An overhead projector for projecting images contained on media. The projector includes a housing having first and second image media storage cassettes and a platen which moves between those cassettes. A lifter is mounted between the cassettes for lifting the media from the first or second cassette onto the platen for projection. The lifter includes a lifting drive and a media gripping device. An image projector is movably mounted to the housing and positionable over the first or second cassette to project an image from media positioned on the platen to a view area. The projector includes a movable arm containing an illumination source, mirror and lens. Image media contained in a cassette can be sequenced from that cassette to the other by lifting onto the platen, from the cassette, projected and deposited in the other cassette either manually, remotely, automatically, or semiautomatically.

Abstract: Impregnated carbon adsorbents for the removal of mercury from liquid hydrocarbons are used in a variety of applications. The activated carbon impregnated adsorbents in the present invention remain effective in removing mercury. Generally, these activated carbons are comprised of an activated carbon adsorbent impregnated with a composition containing metal halide or other reducing halide, supplemented according to the desired characteristics with other elements. The formulation of the impregnants in the present invention can be varied to adjust the performance characteristics so as to meet the desired mercury removal performance criteria, to achieve enhanced removal of organic bound mercury from liquid hydrocarbon, and to have other advantages useful in a variety of applications. These impregnated carbon adsorbents possess desirable qualities regarding their ability to remove even trace levels of mercury from liquid hydrocarbon without a leaching effect of the impregnants used.

Abstract: A protective sheath for a cannula which has distal end for percutaneous insertion and a proximate end having a hub or like assembly. The protective sheath comprises an elongated, flexible tubular member which slidably fits over the cannula. The tubular member has a distal end which is disposed over the distal end of the cannula and is compressibly retractable therefrom. The distal end of the tubular member has an opening through which the cannula may pass so as to expose the distal end of the cannula during insertion thereof, but when the cannula is withdrawn, the distal end of the sheath extends over and covers the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: An improved barrel for guns which do not have standard internal rifling is disclosed. The barrel has a plurality of apertures which extend a first longitudinal distance along the barrel from the muzzle end toward the breech end. The apertures may define a pair of parallel helixes. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of all apertures in the barrel exceeds the cross-sectional area of the barrel itself. Additionally, each aperture is bored at an angle so that its longitudinal axis defines an acute angle with a plane which is tangent to the barrel and which intersects the aperture. The apertures expel ambient air from the barrel and allow for expansion of compressed gas to stabilize a projectile, such as a paintball, thereby improving the accuracy of the gun. The barrel may also include two-staged honing, as well as a removable choke adjacent the breech end of the barrel.

Abstract: A percutaneous device for performing tracheostomies or cricothyroidectomies having a hollow needle with a sharp distal end. The device includes a flexible dilator slidably positioned over the needle. The dilator includes a conical portion and an annular groove, the apex of which is positioned adjacent the distal end of the needle and the base thereby terminating at the annular groove. A flexible breathing tube is slidably positioned over the dilator for insertion into a trachea or larynx.